Maybe, just maybe, the penny has dropped at Kingsholm.

Having stumbled through the first half of the season on the back of inconsistency in all competitions, Gloucester are beginning to show a level of genuine quality that suggests a place in next season’s Heineken Cup is no longer the pipe dream of weeks gone by.

A 14-11 victory over neighbours Bath on a soggy pitch was a third in five games for Bryan Redpath’s side. The pre-Christmas cries of discontent from a support base that laid claim to a lack of spirit within the squad has given way to renewed hope and expectation. They had been uncomfortable times for Redpath, who wasted little time in reminding his players of their responsibility to the jersey.

No need for such stern words on Saturday. On a day of incessant rain could at The Rec, Gloucester rose to the challenge and left Redpath to lavish praise on his players.

In the end a try from Nick Wood and three penalties, two for Freddie Burns and a decisive strike 16 minutes from time by Ryan Mills, was enough. Bath, who led through a Tom Biggs try and levelled the game in the second half courtesy of two penalties from Olly Barkley, were combative, but lacking that edge.

“We are taking it one week at a time,” Redpath said, “but yes, I’m pleased. We just need to remain focused on what we can achieve from this massive run of games.

“We have Quins coming up at home and we definitely want a performance that gives us something. Twice we have played well against them and come away with nothing.”

One of Redpath’s most important jobs is to settle the immediate future of former England captain Mike Tindall, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

“We agreed a new deal with Mike in March last year and there is no issue of timing," Redpath said. “There is no great rush. We have to make the right decision for Gloucester, but he still has something to offer.”

It is understood that while Tindall is seeking a two-year extension, Gloucester are prepared to consider a single season. On the evidence of Saturday’s contribution, when his organisation alongside Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu was outstanding, there are those who believe Gloucester should soften their stance and grant his request.

That, however, is unlikely to happen with Redpath well blessed in terms of young three-quarter cover.